Costa Rica Kayaking
Blessed with over 802 miles of coastline and boasting countless lakes, rivers and estuaries, Costa Rica is ripe for kayaking opportunities. Kayak tours allow for greater and more private exploration than mainland excursions, simply because there aren’t as many people on the water. The tours, which are open to both experienced and inexperienced kayakers, are a wonderful way to spot wildlife both above and below the water. Oftentimes they involve a combination with other activities, such as snorkeling or mountain biking. Places to kayak include Lake Arenal, Manuel Antonio’s estuaries and Jacó’s coastline, among others.
The best tours in Costa Rica
Playa del Coco Catamaran
From $100The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing breezily past bays and sandy beaches.
Enjoy an ocean kayak paddle to Isla Chora for some snorkeling and beach relaxation off the coast of Sámara in the Nicoya Peninsula region.
Tortuga Island Tour
From $103Take an adventurous, all-inclusive tour of the gorgeous coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunity for spotting wildlife as well as relaxing in the natural beauty of Tortuga Island. This is an all-day tour—your boat departs at 9 AM from Montezuma and returns at 4 PM.
This multi-activity adventure will have you exploring Costa Rica across land and sea. You'll kayak, hike, and have opportunities to swim and play on the beach. Along the way you'll see wildlife and enjoy refreshments. A full and fun afternoon is ahead of you!
Jungle Tubing
From $279This tour takes you down some of Savegre River’s exciting Class II rapids in an inner tube. You’ll find this section of the river brisk, but not too fast for comfortable tubing.
Mangrove Kayaking
From $102This kayaking tour will take you to the waters that surround Damas Island, off the coast of Manuel Antonio National Park. When you tour this area you’ll get to see estuaries and mangroves, and paddle up the inland canals. Your group can set the pace for this tour, and no experience kayaking is necessary.
Damas Island Mangrove Kayak Tour
From $98The Damas Island estuary is just fifteen minutes outside of Manuel Antonio. Mangroves are born where ocean waters meet fresh water rivers, creating an underwater rooting system amongst the trees.
A challenging half-day journey along the coastline of Manuel Antonio, this ocean kayaking adventure takes you past islands and inlets for incredible views and bird watching.
Ocean Kayaking
From $99On this sea kayaking adventure you’ll take a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park’s Pacific coastline.
Jaco Sea Kayak and Snorkel
From $94Get wet and explore the open ocean just outside Jaco with a half day kayaking and snorkeling tour.
Costa Rica itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Costa Rica itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Pura Vida Adventure Together
We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.
Costa Rica
Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart
Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.
Costa Rica
Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
Costa Rica
60th birthday jungle adventure
If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Two Family Journey
Lovely, relaxing country. Lots of activities, everything from lounging to adventure and more. Friendly people, tasty food, family-friendly.
Costa Rica
Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday
Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!
Costa Rica
Family Time in Costa Rica
Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.
Costa Rica
Family Adventure Through Costa Rica
Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.
Costa Rica
More tours in Costa Rica
Everything else in this category, from half-day escapes to multi-day adventures, all run by the local insiders we work with year-round.
Playa Flamingo
Panache Catamaran Sailing Regular Tour
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Tamarindo
Tamarindo Catamaran Tour
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Arenal
Kayaking Arenal Lake
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Tamarindo
Kayak Tour on Tamarindo Estuary
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Tour
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Playa Flamingo
Flamingo Ocean Kayaking
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Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island Tour
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
